116 years ago the Cowtown Coliseum in the Fort Worth Stockyards made history as the first indoor rodeo arena in the U.S.
This summer, the space is set to make history once again as it has been chosen as the venue for the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft.
"It's gonna be a great experience for all those baseball fans to come to Fort Worth, come to the stockyards, and just see that authentic Texas experience and witness it firsthand is gonna be a lot of fun," said Jason Sands, the Executive Director of the Fort Worth Sports Commission.
The draft's opening night, including the first round, will be on Sunday, July 14.
Subsequent draft rounds will unfold on Monday, July 15, and Tuesday, July 16. More details, like broadcast details, timing, and ticketing, will be disclosed at a later date.
But why Cowtown Coliseum over newer event spaces in Fort Worth?
"We've learned with the MLB that they're all about the fan experience. They really want to find an authentic kind of atmosphere to host their draft in. They're looking for unique experiences," Sands revealed. "And when they went into the Cowtown Coliseum, their eyes just kinda lit up... they could instantly see the setting for the draft and kind of that authentic feel, and it was something that they were really excited about."
The event promises to be a fan-driven spectacle, with Sands highlighting the goal of attracting 40,000 plus fans to the Stockyards, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere and all the area has to offer.
"This is a huge win for the city of Fort Worth, and we hope to have more just like it, to come," Sands added.
The World Champion Texas Rangers are hosting the MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field on July 16.
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